The researchers say a higher white blood cell count increases a woman's risk of heart attack or stroke. A white blood cell count shows inflammation in the body.
Local cardio-thoracic surgeon, Dr. Christopher D'Haem, says this study doesn't show anything new. Doctors already knew heart disease and inflammation are linked in some way. What they don't know is what that relationship is or how it affects a person's risk for heart disease.
D'Haem also says a higher white blood cell count can be due to other problems such as infection. He says this study will not affect the way he treats his patients.
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